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Ichiro donating to relief effort through Red Cross

Ichiro donating to relief effort through Red Cross

Ichiro Suzuki is hitting .273 for the Mariners so far this spring.

By Greg Johns
/
MLB.com |

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki is donating 100 million yen, which equates to about $1.25 million, to the Japanese Red Cross for earthquake and tsunami relief efforts, according to the Kyodo News Agency.

Ichiro has yet to comment publicly on the situation in his homeland.

Meanwhile, the Mariners are asking fans and front-office personnel to help out the Japanese relief funds as well, and have promised to match all donations made at Safeco Field during their opening six-game homestand next month.

Red Cross volunteers will be outside the gates of Safeco taking donations for games against the Indians and Blue Jays from April 8-13. Donations will also be accepted at several locations inside the stadium and the club will also work with the Red Cross to collect funds at other upcoming games, including a Salute to Japan Night at a still-to-be-determined date.

The club will make a minimum donation of $100,000 to the Red Cross through Mariners Care, but will match any number that fans and front-office employees reach in the opening stand.

Proceeds from the first Mariners Care Saturday Silent auction on April 9 will also be dedicated to the Red Cross.

Nintendo Co., Ltd., the parent company of Nintendo of America, Inc., which owns the Mariners, has already announced on its website that the corporation is donating 300 million yen, or the equivalent of $3.7 million.

"The Mariners join with people from around the world in extending our sympathy to the many people affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami," Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln said in a statement. "The Mariners have had great support from the Japanese business community and fans all across Japan. Our thoughts and best wishes are with them as they begin the long road to recovery."